Blog If You Love Learning: An Introduction to Blogs and The Read/Write Web

Slides (Quicktime Format)

First: Create an Account at http://www.edublogs.org

The One-Way Web

• Powerful resource for educators and students, but…
• Information moves from publishers to consumers
• Information cannot be edited
• Read-Only Web
• Web 1.0

The Two-Way Web

• It is now as easy to create as it is to consume.
• Anyone can publish, share, and change information
• Read/Write Web
• Web 2.0
• This is changing our world!

Blogs

• Web + Log = weblog or “we blog”
• Easily created
• Easily updated
• If you can email, you can blog.
• Blogs allow visitors to comment.

Educational Blogs

• Teacher web sites Example - Eva's new site: http://wagner.edublogs.org/
• Class web sites Example
• Learning journals Example
• Book Clubs Example
• Connect with Authors and Experts Example
• Pen Pals Example (See Global Awareness and Cultural Literacy Through Electronic Dialog)
• Professional Development Example
• Reflective Practice Example (Also, don't miss David Warlick's blog.)
• More Examples: http://www.supportblogging.com

Subject Specific Examples

• Algebra Example
• Art Example
• English Example
• Music Example
• Physical Ed. Example
• Science Example
• Social Studies Example
• Counseling Example

Reflection: Add your comment to our demo blog

• How might you use a blog or blogs with your class?
• What are your next steps?

Hands-On with http://www.edublogs.org

• Edublogs Video Tutorials
• A blog about edublogs tutorials! (Including more videos.)

NEW: Create blogs for your students using the Blog and User Creator!

Practice: Read, Reflect, Write, Respond...

• http://www.weblogg-ed.com
• http://www.davidwarlick.com/2cents/
• http://www.infinitethinking.org
• http://www.edtechlife.com

Better Blogging

• Read (Or Do), Reflect, Write, Respond
• Develop voice (and identity)
• Make a contribution
• Make connections
• Blog as a backup brain
• 25 Basic Styles of Blogging (and when to use each one)
• Educational Role-Play

Benefits

• Engagement and Motivation
• Context
• Inquiry
• Collaboration
• Reflection and Metacognition

Concerns

• Information Literacy
• Inappropriate Content
• Inappropriate Sharing
• Threats and Cyber-bullying
• Intellectual Property (Check out creativecommons.org for alternative licensing.)
• Fraud and Identity Theft
• Stalkers and Predators
• Free Speech Concerns
• Lack of Understanding
• More Internet Awareness and Safety Resources: http://internetawareness.wikispaces.com

Proactive Strategies

• Citizen Journalism and Citizen Police Work
• Legal Protections
• Safety Tips for Students
• Safety Tips for Parents
• Communication and Empathy

Note: Blog Search Engines:

• Technorati.com
• Google Blog Search

Reflection

• What do you see as obstacles to your use of blogs in your class?
• What might you do to overcome these obstacles?

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This wiki and the summer institute were originally developed by:
Mark Wagner, Ph.D.
President, Educational Technology and Life Corporation